Dipentum

DRUG DESCRIPTION

The active ingredient in DIPENTUM Capsules (olsalazine sodium) is the sodium
salt of a salicylate, disodium 3,3'-azobis (6-hydroxybenzoate) a compound that
is effectively bioconverted to 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), which has anti-inflammatory
activity in ulcerative colitis. Its empirical formula is C14H8N2N2O6
with a molecular weight of 346.21.

The structural formula is:

Olsalazine sodium is a yellow crystalline powder, which melts with decomposition at 240°C. It is the sodium salt of a weak acid, soluble in water and DMSO, and practically insoluble in ethanol, chloroform, and ether. Olsalazine sodium has acceptable stability under acidic or basic conditions.

What are the precautions when taking olsalazine sodium capsules (Dipentum)?

Before taking olsalazine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to aspirin or related drugs (salicylates such as mesalamine, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, balsalazide, sulfasalazine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.